Facilities Manager – SSFM

Main job function

The ideal candidate will be responsible for preserving the good condition of infrastructure and ensuring that facilities are safe and well-functioning at all our schools. The incumbent will need to be well-organized and be able to optimise the use of space and equipment while reducing operating costs. Leadership abilities and phenomenal efficiency can set you apart among our candidate pool. The goal is to ensure our school’s facilities are problem-free and safe so that employees can work under the best conditions.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Facilities Manager to liaise with public utilities to ensure that the water and electrical services are working at all the schools.
• Facilities Manager to investigate utility billings to ensure that they do not exceed budget and to inform the CEO if there are any concerns.
• Responsible to ensure the standards of cleanliness are high at all the schools in collaboration with the Estate Managers and Head.
• To monitor the Estate Managers on how they draw up maintenance schedules and set routine programs of work for cleaning staff, premises and grounds maintenance staff to ensure consistently high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, upkeep and safety of all school buildings and premises.
• To oversee in collaboration with the Estate Manager and Head the upkeep of playing fields, gardens, all weather surfaces and to ensure the maintenance of boundaries, footpaths, roads and rights of way within the school premises.
• To have close supervision of the Estate Manager in terms of the letting of the school premises to outside organizations and school staff, and for the development of all school facilities for out-of-school use ensuring high level of customer satisfaction.
• To ensure that all statutory elements of health and safety are implied and undertaking responsibility for monitoring first aid and emergency supplies and equipment and maintaining the premises in a safe and healthy condition and to a high standard in collaboration with the Estate Manager and Head.
• In co-operation with the Fire Service, to be responsible for the installation and maintenance of all firefighting and fire alarm systems in liaison with the Estate Manager and Head. To ensure the maintenance and periodic checking of fire and other safety equipment by specialist contractors. To supervise the undertaking of the operation and periodic checking of the fire alarm system and equipment as detailed in the Fire Safety logbook. To ensure that the schools are initiating and recording regular fire drills.
• To monitor together with the Estate Manager the safe storage and control of any potentially harmful materials and chemicals used within the School and ensure that such materials are appropriately marked and signposted.
• To oversee in cooperation with the Estate Manager and Head for all aspects of the school’s risk management, including ensuring all necessary risk assessments are completed and the necessary checks are in place to meet all audit requirements.
• To be responsible for the planned and ad hoc maintenance and upkeep of the premises and equipment including the required safety checks.
• To liaise with external contractors as required.
• To determine whether maintenance should be undertaken in-house or by commissioned contract services and to assist in the selection of contract services where appropriate, through consultation with the CEO and Head and in accordance with the finance scheme of delegation.
• To be the client-side link with contracting staff, contribute to specifications, monitoring and review of all major contracts and services and to undertake appropriate administrative processes for specifying and letting minor contracts in accordance with established guidelines.
• To be responsible in consultation with the Estate Manager for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of all premises-related mechanical, electrical, heating services and other plant, including ensuring the completion of all annual portable appliance testing, monitoring and recording of meter readings/returns as required.
• To take appropriate action to ensure and monitor proper safe levels of lighting, heating and ventilation at schools with the Estate Manager.
• To supervise with the Estate Manager the line management of all premises and ground maintenance staff, to include participating in their recruitment and selection, identifying their training needs and drawing up their program of work.
• To ensure appropriate staffing levels and deployment of staff in all premises-related departments.
• To adhere to all school policies and procedures.

Requirements of the role:

• Degree or equivalent professional qualifications in Engineering, Building or Facilities Management, Surveying etc.
• Senior level understanding of CDM regulations, property management and maintenance
• Managing a team of staff
• Understanding the legal and financial aspects of estate management, with the ability to deliver significant and sustained cost control without detriment to overall quality of service being provided
• Ability to confront difficult issues and take difficult decisions, particularly in relation to staffing and financial matters

Skills:

• Ability to be a role model
• Ability to reflect on own practice
• Ability to search for solutions to seemingly complex issues
• Change Management and ability to drive change
• Good communication skills (oral, written and presentation)
• Planning and Project Management Skills Essential
• Financial Planning and Negotiating Skills with the ability to manage a budget
• Good interpersonal skills and strong team orientation
• Work on own initiative
• Well organized and good time management
• Flexible working – some work outside core hours will be required
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel and Word Essential

A Consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.